ADAM – Alloy Development for the Laser Beam Melting Process

As part of the joint research project with the Institut Mines-Télécom (IMT), new material alloys for laser beam melting (LBM) are developed which properties are precisely adapted to the process.

MOTIVATION

LBM is an additive manufacturing process in which powder is selectively melted and remelted by means of a laser beam. The process is suitable for the production of functional components with high geometric complexity. Currently, commercially available alloys that were originally developed for other manufacturing processes such as casting are used. The alloy composition has not yet been adapted to the complex mechanisms of LBM, which differ significantly from other processes due to thermal, mechanical, and fluid dynamic phenomena in the powder bed.

OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT

The aim of the research project is a methodology to tailor alloys specifically for LBM. In addition, it should be ensured that potential additives have a positive influence on the mechanical properties of the additive components. APPROACH The first step is to determine suitable additives to improving the mechanical properties of the final components. Subsequently, the influence of the alloy composition on the stability and geometry of the melt pool during laser exposure is investigated by using high-speed and thermographic imaging. Finally, the microstructure and the defect structure of the components are analyzed in order to quantify the influence of the alloy composition on the melting and solidification process.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The research project ADAM is funded by the German-French Academy for the Industry of the Future, founded by the Institut Mines-Télécom (IMT), and the Technical University of Munich (TUM). The support is highly appreciated.